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What did Jesus say are "the weightier matter of the Law"? Hint: this ain't it. Getting in tune with Him on what is most important is the first step.

Several points of correction are in order. This is not a position taken by NAD. That is clear from the title of the paper. It is from the seminary at Andrews Universtiy. Andrews University is a General Conference institution, and not an instution of the North American Division. Yes it is located in North America. But so is the General Conference itself. But strictly speaking this is not a position paper of the General Conference either, but just as it says, a position paper of the Seminary. That said, your characterization of and reaction to the paper are puzzling and unfounded. I really don't see how you get any of what you have said for the paper, either directly or even by implication.

I think anyone should be able to worship in an SDA Church. If Jesus was OK hanging out with prostitutes so am I. I also have no problem worshiping or hanging out with gays, lesbians transgenders, etc.. No, none of these groups should practice their trade or lifestyles openly at church; and if they do, they should be warned once; and then asked to leave on the second offense. If they are openly gay, promiscuous or otherwise "scandalous, they should not be allowed to hold office - not because they are more "evil" than anyone else; but because their activity is generally considered offensive by most members of church society; and would generally cause a scandal. That being said, I am sure that there are many discretely gay or promiscuous people serving as pastors, elsders, SS Teachers, Board Members, and Conference administrators. As long as their proclivites are not openly practiced; and the general church population is unaware of them, how are we to even know they are outside of the realm of societal norms? Many sincere believers my have gay, promiscuous and/or transgender leanings (I myself have suffered from heterosexual leanings); but resist them because they believe God when He says "don't do that". I would not support a church that celebrated gay marriage. I wouldn't condemn them; but I would not support them. It's one thing to accept and love all people where they are; it's a whole other animal to celebrate their sins.

This repetitive dialogue is alive and well.... Whatever side you are on the lines of reasoning and argument are drawn, and easily scripted. I believe it would be a healthy decisive move to eliminate ordination across the entire denomination.... and remove this whole basis for argument. Workers in the church labor and do everything they do by the power of the Holy Spirit, in every position... not by any power or authority of maleness. Human ordination to the role of pastor was never needed. Men and women of old are moved by the Spirit to speak and labor for Christ yesterday, today and tomorrow. Samuel was a great Pastor of his time as was Deborah. Communicating the will of God is only done by the power of the Holy Spirit, never by human authority or by virtue of genderized authority. The marriage remains the place for the specific male female genderized roles. Israel greatly sinned by demanding a king, and adopting human male headship in their nation.